Chameloentrader - you definitely have a chance. If you have/can pick up third party trading vendor skills such as Infinity, Murex, Summit, Sophis etc you will find yourself in high demand even if for short term contracts (paying upyto $1k per day).

This works a number of ways: if you are a spendthrift, you will be able to save a lot of money to trade on your own account, you will be able to meet a few traders in the process.

Some firms are so keen to take on as permies, contractors with the afore-mentioned scarce skills, and are often willing to give you a shot at trading after an initial period of 18months - 2years.